Thinking about moving to north durham (Roxboro, Mebane: for sale, apartment complexes, lease)

[mbloom1717]

My fiance' and I are looking to relocate to Durham, North Carolina. We have looked at many apartments in the area and found a few we like but we are worried about the safety of the northern part of the city. Independence park area we are interested in. also the N. Roxboro area or around north gate mall Does anybody know about this area as far as safety is concerned or what types of businesses are in the area?

[Bull City Rising]

Independence Park is OK. I would personally avoid the apartment complexes west of Duke, north of I-85, east of Broad, south of Stadium. Also, the Roxboro corridor between about Club and Stadium is rough. (There are nice affordable neighborhoods nestled off this area, like Colonial Village and Northgate Park, but also some less desirable areas.)

I might suggest looking at the apartment complexes on Front St. north of I-85, or at the complex near Costco on Broad St., if North Durham is an important location for you.

North Durham was the "white flight" suburb that grew during the integration crises in the 1960s/1970s. Ironically, these once-middle class neighborhoods are under significant pressure, while parts of central Durham have made a big recovery and south Durham has boomed.

[Gloria - G]

We just relocated here from Los Angeles last July. We lived in Magnolia Pointe (right down the road from Independence park). Looked great on the website and was a brand new complex at the time. However, it was like living in South Central Los Angeles all over again! Private message me if you want specifics.

I was also tempted by Independence Park. Nice houses and even nicer prices At the end of the day we ended up breaking our lease early (buying it completely out BTW) and buying a house in Mebane. I love the central durham / Trinity Park area and would have bought there but couldn't talk my spouse into it. He grew up in LA his whole life and wanted to live in the "country" so Mebane fit our needs.

BCR gave you some good advice, the apts by Costco are nice and I have a couple friends who live there. There are a lot of nice apartments near 15/501 on the south side of Durham as well. I know what you're going through and just helped my sister find an apartment after relocating as well so if you want some additional info just PM me.

Good luck!

[mbloom1717]

thanks for your help. I have talked to a few people and it seems like north Durham is spotty. there will be a good place then a rough place a few blocks away. from what i can gather most of the north is like this until you get out of the city into norther Durham county by Carrington middle school where there are lots of home but not many apartments.

[Bull City Rising]

There are some complexes over west of Guess Rd. on Horton that might be worth looking at too. West of Guess is a more stable area in general. Good luck!

[Citizen Matt]

From my experience I'd stay away from anything owned by Dick Patton Realty. He/they own several apartment buildings throughout Durham and none appear to be taken care of very well at all. Little to no landscaping nor aesthetic additions to the buildings are apparent. A friend rented from them as well, when the plumbing broke, Dick Patton's office sent my friend the bill.
Had you considered renting a house? There seem to be plenty of for rent signs in yards around north and west Durham.

[egarlick2000]

I live in North Durham in Eno Trace. I love my neighborhood! There are a few houses for sale. I think they are worth checking out! PM me for details!